Our Strategic Plan is a key document for the University – it decides our direction over the next six years. It defines who we are as a University and what we are here to do (our mission). It sets out what we stand for (our values) and what we would like to be (our vision).
We are currently updating our Strategic Plan to help shape the future of the University. The views and contributions of staff and students are fundamental to the development of the plan. This blog provides an opportunity for all members of the University to read the draft plan and provide feedback. You can read the draft Strategic Plan by following this link:
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November 11, 2009 at 11:11 am |
in 2015 I would like to see the following for UOB:
1) Ranked in the top 75 of UK Universities (minimum)
2) Extenisve portfolio of PG programs
3) Aesthetically, a stronger campus environment / feel, for example sink the road (University Way) underground, remove the car park and link the 2 sides of the campus together… Effectively creating a main strip down the centre of the University.
November 12, 2009 at 12:25 pm |
I understand the desire for expansion in order to compete with other universities in the region but I do hope this will not be at the expense of th excellent staff/student relations we currently enjoy. We know our students so well because we are small, and it will take some clear thinking to retain this. Complaints from students in larger universities often relate to their being taught in huge numbers, by dvd or video link, with little contact with tutors. When money is so tight, I am concerned that our resources will not stretch. We need more students but we also need the space and facilities to accommodate them. I was in an interesting meeting with student reps this week who complained they are squeezed into small rooms, that some do not have chairs to sit on and must perch on desks. These new ACCESS students are our degree students for the future, if they decide to stay. There are not enough computers and some students are wandering all over the campus hoping to come across one that is available, in different departments, and they cannot access essential text books which are always out on loan. I wonder if these real practical issues are taken into account when costings are done in early stages. It is hardly surprising that some students have already withdrawn. Their individual experiences must be good.
I agree that the road cutting through the campus is slightly off-putting. Couldnt the Council help here by re-routing traffic so that University Way becomes just, a way to the university and nowhere else.
November 16, 2009 at 8:41 am |
Exanding upon the Strategic Theme objective; (incorporate employability skills and career preparation, and for students in employment, career management and development content, in all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes) –
AND working as I do in the Business Support area, I would suggest that an enterprise-related strategic objective for this University, would be to achieve the reputation that “all [degree level?] students having had “business and enterprise” embedded within their course curriculum, are more ‘business aware’ than from other universities, such that Bolton’s are ready to enter into employment with a sound under-pining knowledge of ‘what makes business work’.
Is this not what the Enterprise Champion scheme is all about?
November 17, 2009 at 10:06 am |
I completely agree with Jeff and Dorothy; The University is the perfect size to accomodate good tutor/student relations. I feel that i am seen often and create a friendship with most lecturers which facilitates my learning. I however, am concerned that the inclusion of the college next door and the Bolton One on our front door step will make a small, low ranked University even more insignificant. For a bystander, it would probably be assumed that the new college is actually the University as it is bigger than us! I have noticed that the University has invested in some more signs that say University of Bolton, but these signs are not exactly top of the range and thus do not make the University stand out. I will be graduating in february and so many of these issues may not effect me, however, I am hoping to continue studying here for a further 4 years part – time and dont want the University to slip down the ranks even more. many of my friends in other Universities have pointed out that a degree from Bolton is not looked upon by employers as highly as a degree from say Manchester Metropolitan. Are we trading the worth of our degrees for the experience? I’d take the experience any day, but until we start crawling up the ladder to a good spot, then the University will never reach its potential as one of the best Universities to study at.
As a side note, making the University way road private would immensely change the view of the university, as it would seem more like a campus and less like 2 buildings separated by a road. Also, the safety risk would be greatly reduced for students.
January 26, 2010 at 10:28 am |
With regard to teaching and learning, if we want to make an “statement” in any way, under the current financial restrictions, and considering our “size” and location, we should be more flexible in the delivery methods. Being a fan of elearning and blended learning, and been in the sector for over 20 years experiencing the pros and cons of blended learning nationally and internationally, I will support and encourage enthusiastically any initiative to promote, develop and implement more flexible delivery modules. We don’t need to have a “sophisticated” technological infrastructure to do this, just enthusiasm, will and pedagogically e-prepared to produce stimulating, inclusive and interactive modules to cater all public!. We have fantastic well-prepared human resources in this university to face this challenge, just need to boost the enthusiasm and make sure we all are heading on the same direction.
March 1, 2010 at 11:55 am |
I have to say, the university has a lot of work to do. Quite how one can complete a degree without adequate numbers of books is beyond me. It appears that the 75% cut in funding the library has suffered is at the expense of some 10 million pounds being invested in a swimming pool. Frankly I cannot help but think this is a complete waste of money. Having been in a position to chose universities again, I would sooner do an Open University degree as it is cheaper and they provide the books. Other areas to improve are classrooms, timetable production, and more computers in the library. I think that the chancellor should re consider his wasted budget!
March 11, 2010 at 9:51 am |
I agree with Haylee.
It is vital that Bolton moves up the league table. (if we were a football team we wouldnt even be in the fourth division!) I couldn’t see anything in the strategy which will facilitate our improved status and standing. The ‘professionals in practice’ is a great buzz word and we need to focus on helping people from industry re-tool and retrain to face the challenges ahead, either on a full or part-time basis.
March 22, 2010 at 12:52 pm |
I agree that the university must expand and hope that this includes a larger library with more computers with a block on the use of face book and the like as there is nothing more anoying than there being no spare computers because half the people using them are on face book.